Mary Blayney lives in southern Maryland within sight of Chesapeake Bay and an hour from Washington, D.C., where she was born and spent a good part of her life. In an area filled with history, her favorite events are millions of years apart. The Battle of St. Leonard Creek-the first step toward the attack on the capital in 1814-took place a few miles from her home. Each year the event is reenacted and a bit of the period she loves so much comes to life. And the fossil-rich Calvert Cliffs rise above a nearby beach. When not distracted by the beach or the history of the area, Mary Blayney spends her time making up the history of the Pennistan family. Her next Pennistan book is in the works even now.

From Mary Blayney, the acclaimed author of Stranger's Kiss, comes this irresistible new novel of historical romance featuring the Pennistan family. In Courtesan's Kiss, an independent woman is determined to make her way in the world-even if it's a scandalous one. But first she must escape a nobleman with plans of his own

In the wake of a broken engagement and shunned by the ton, Mia Castellano does not retire to the country, as a proper young lady might, but sees her chance to escape society's restraints-by becoming a courtesan. In her mind, no unmarried young woman is as free as a courtesan. She alone controls her destiny: managing her own money, having her own house, choosing her lovers. There's only one obstacle in Mia's path-Lord David Pennistan.

As a favor to his brother, Lord David agrees to escort Mia to his family's home in Derbyshire, where her guardian awaits. Mia attracts nothing but trouble from the outset of their journey, yet with every adventure they share, Lord David's desire for his charge grows. When they're caught in a compromising situation, Lord David insists that she marry him. But there's only one thing Mia wants from David, and it isn't his charity or his title. Can he convince her before it's too late that the love she wants is already hers-to take or to lose forever? Can he win more from this untamed beauty than just a courtesan's kiss?